JOE. [Rising, and closing door. Returns.] When my Kate got through the public school, you said she ought to go to college. [JIM nods.] I didn't think so—I admit now I was a durn fool. [JIM nods.] You said she had to go—an' she went—to Linenwood. [JIM chews.] When she come back she taught me everything I know—I don't think I could go afore this convention if it wasn't for what Kate's learned me—Jim, I'm ashamed to say so, but I let you pay her schoolin'—I've figured out it's a round six hundred dollars—an' I'm goin' to pay you every—
JIM. [Impressively points at him with his whole hand.] See here— [After a fateful pause, rises.] Don't you ever say that to me agen. [Turns away.
JOE. [Half-rising, anxiously.] Why, Jim?
JIM. [Turning. Threatens.] Never.
JOE. Tain't nothin' to make trouble 'tween us, Jim.
JIM. [Pauses—growls slowly.] Whatever I done—was done—have you ever said a word to her about it?
JOE. Nobody knows it, Jim, but you an' me.
JIM. Man to man?
JOE. Man to man.
JIM. [Slightly relieved.] Well, I done it fur her—an' whenever I hear her purty voice—soft an' low like verses out of a book—whenever I look at her face—purtier than them pictures they put in the cigar-boxes—and her hands soft and baby-like—I feel 'way down here that I helped do some of that. An' do you think, Joe Vernon, that I'd sell out? No, sir, not by a damned sight!